Santa Cruz Bronson X01 AXS Carbon CC MX // Bike Review

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Santa Cruz Bronson X01 AXS Carbon CC MX // Bike Review

Рет қаралды 55,537

Күн бұрын

Reviewer Stats: 5’11” & 215 lbs
After hearing friends rave about the new Santa Cruz Bronson, I was excited when one showed up at the Freehub office. Furthering my curiosity, this iteration of the Bronson-a model first introduced in 2013-adopts mixed-wheel sizes with a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel. Over the course of the last few months and many rides aboard this gold-colored sled, I’ve come to understand what the hype is all about.
The Bronson struggles most through flat unsupported corners. It’s on terrain like this that the bike’s 29-inch counterparts will feel more stable. You may find yourself hanging a foot more often just in case the tires break loose.
Despite this minor quibble, the Bronson remains one of the most versatile bikes I’ve ever ridden. It truly defies categorization. It’s brawny enough to hang with some of the most capable long-travel rigs on the market while also staying nimble and fun on casual flow trails. Committing to a mixed-wheel bike is still a tough pill to swallow for many riders, though I’m serious when I say there is not a more broadly capable bike out there.
*Geometry Specs reflect Large Frame in LOW BB Setting*
Wheel Size: MX 29"/27.5"
Rear Travel: 150mm
Fork: 160mm
Wheelbase: 1249mm
Chainstay: 432mm
Reach: 472mm
Head Tube Angle: 64.5°
SEE FULL REVIEW HERE: freehubmag.com...
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Пікірлер: 139

@peterblades 3 жыл бұрын

Every review is like a Star Wars speeder bike sequence!

@rodrigopages1054 3 жыл бұрын

I KNOW RIGHT!!? Mach speed every single time keeps blowing my mind lol!!

@adamcarrier7078 3 жыл бұрын

Speeder bikes are so slack

@Jacob99174 2 жыл бұрын

Dude exactly, yes!!

@oskarkarlsson2245 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome review, love watching the gorgeous pov fotage with that crispy clear audio of your voice and the surroundings, beautiful!😍🙌🏼

@heribertochavez6000 3 жыл бұрын

Got this bad boy as soon as it launched. Such a great bike, it really can do it all. I live out in Colorado and have been shredding with it. I love it and would highly recommend this bike to anyone.

@groovy284 2 жыл бұрын

How is the climbing???

@MrSponjaBob 3 ай бұрын

It's impossible not to love this guy. TY!!

@sean_321 Жыл бұрын

I’ve had this bike for 2 years now. I’ve taken it through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Hawaii. Each ride I fall more in love with it. It really can do it all. Great review.

@youthinasia114 2 жыл бұрын

Seriously the best bike review I’ve ever seen. Your riding and the trail was memorizing. Good stuff 👍🏻 subscribed and now I guess I’m buying a yellow Bronson, too.

@TheGreaterU Жыл бұрын

Dude. You chatting it up while charging that fast is insane. Great review. I have a 5010, the Bronson is on my list in the future as well.

@nicholashines7686 3 жыл бұрын

Dude......who are you? Your reviews are so choice. I really want a mixed wheel in my stable. Great job man hopefully one day I will make it out to G Mountain.

@dirtrocksandtrees 2 жыл бұрын

He’s a bad, bad man on a bike. Fo sho.

@rodrigopages1054 3 жыл бұрын

Every single time i see a review im amazed on how effortlessly you talk while pedalling uphill on techy trails, but then im just baffled when i see how fast you ride while talking during the descents!!! no matter how many reviews i watch i always feel like that lol! best reviews out there hands down!

@TheRHSman 5 ай бұрын

I don’t even watch for the bike review. Best bike content on the web.

@cg1983 3 жыл бұрын

Best action reviews on KZfaq… calm speaking while shredding!! Love it

@awtyhrh 7 ай бұрын

Just got this bike. It’s amazing! Pedals so well. Descends even better. So planted but playful once bike set up is right. 10/10 highly recommend

@sja9836 2 жыл бұрын

Just today traded my 2022 V4 Stormbringer Purple 5010 (S build on Reserve 30/DT Swiss 350) owned for just 9 months for a custom build CC XO1 AXS Bronson in Moss Gloss with Fox Float Factory 36 and Fox Transfer dropper. Reserve Wheels on i9's and CANNOT WAIT to get to know it! Your Review started my journey to Bronson ownership. I loved the 5010 BUT was reaching the travel limits all to often with the 130/140mm suspension. She was a sleek, stealthy and very sexy bike but needed to go to a new home. I'm genuinely sad to see her go. I tested an S Build Bronson last week and took the plunge this morning. I'm 54 year old man living in England who rides A LOT of bike parks and trails, the European Alps too. Super excited. Thanks again for the inspirational video. Thanks Again, Sam A.

@Hendricksb123 Жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoy your bike reviews, and you riding is exciting to watch! I don’t understand how you can talk so calmly while riding so quickly.

@urbanbwax 2 жыл бұрын

I truly can't think of better bike reviews(all of the not only this vid). There is something for everyone and you are helping us choose. By the way you have influence a lot buying my Megatower! Cheers and keep up the good work!

@chrisgravel7157 2 жыл бұрын

Great review. Couple of folks feeling this is Santa Cruz's ultimate Shore bike. Just bit more nimble and better in this step ledgey decents and tech.That and the most fun bike in the line. Coming from a Trek Remedy and loving the poppy, quick nature of the bike I'm going to have to demo one if I can.

@micheandmikey 3 жыл бұрын

You just rode one of my go to routes, so, so good! The recent rain made it perfect on Tuesday! Yeeew!

@traceyodonnell1969 3 жыл бұрын

this trail looks so sick, can you share its location?

@damodbfilms1412 Жыл бұрын

So good. Love your reviews. Any chance of doing the 5010 please? I'd love to hear how that feels on your trails and how it compares to the Bronson. Big respect🙌

@ludvigyttergren4928 3 жыл бұрын

oh man....those trails! as always awesome review

@cleaningcrue 2 жыл бұрын

Been waiting on this review. I bought this bike right when it came out and have been checking daily for your review on it.. 😁👍. Awesome job as always.

@orhanbukic5908 2 жыл бұрын

Best reviews out there hands down!

@mathinflames 3 жыл бұрын

I did a little review of this bike and came to the same conclusions as you. Nice to see I wasnt that far off.

@Charlithium 3 жыл бұрын

I love your reviews... regards from México

@PQV-8898 2 жыл бұрын

Wow this amazing Bronson is all decked out and great review. Thank you!

@derek_the_nerd 2 жыл бұрын

Just put my order in! Excited to get out and ride it here in New Mexico!

@massa9790 3 жыл бұрын

i love you from italy ... i love this channel i think it is one of the only ones to bring lost bike review clips with perfect audio / video quality .... only question ... could you bring yt capra 🐐 shred or any kind capra? I would like to see how it behaves uphill and how you find it ... thank you very much from Italy🇮🇹

@angelopizzo2933 3 жыл бұрын

as always incredible job mate!

@MarioXcore1 3 жыл бұрын

man you guys are my fav channel on YT. Pretty good socks too

@freehubmag 3 жыл бұрын

🙏 Thanks Mario! We like the socks as well.

@kingrat738 2 жыл бұрын

All hail the 'Quiver Killa'!! Mullet FTW 🤘

@SEALTRIDENT6 2 жыл бұрын

Dude! You’re flying!!!

@thomasfenton1309 2 жыл бұрын

my guy smashing it down that trail whilst casually reviewing the bike.

@Hennessy_Rods 2 жыл бұрын

Boi you absolutely shredded that bike 😬

@ssjj9584 3 жыл бұрын

Epic trails 🔥

@Vodafone16v 3 жыл бұрын

Bought the Bronson v4 R build... Sold it after 2 months. Not the "all-arounder" I expected. Pretty solid on the downhills, but felt like I had thrown an anchor behind me everytime it had to tackle an uphill. I was willing to accept the trade-off, but man it was too much. There are better, more all arounder, more efficicient pedaling bikes out there in the 150-160mm range. Cheers.

@DM-hw4cr 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly looking at this mullet trend

@skinnybricks Жыл бұрын

Pedals better than my Transition Sentinel. *Shrug*

@tommycooperfish 3 жыл бұрын

Gal looks sweet. I love the poppy little manual machines :)

@shaybull4538 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome reviews! Hope to see you review a new Pivot Firebird review next! :)

@nesslessman6379 Жыл бұрын

Shit, I’m still on my 17’ Bronson and it hasn’t crossed my mind to get a different bike. I ride park and flowy single track and tight technical stuff and I totally love it!!🤘🏻

@oliverfrench8106 2 жыл бұрын

Another great review! Would it be possible for you to do a yeti sb150 review pretty please 🙏. In my opinion you do the best bike reviews on KZfaq, and I would love to watch you review the yeti sb150. Cheers Oliver 🙂

@wezo0121 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy your reviews! That trail is sick! That hub though, so loud. Some like it, not a fan lol

@petrjurek6058 2 жыл бұрын

Great review. Excelent riding skill.

@JAFO. 3 жыл бұрын

Man, I dunno, it just seems wrong. You don't get the rollover of the 29" on the rear wheel which has the most weight - but you also don't get the snappy handling in the corners of a 27.5" in the front, ...and I could've sworn I saw a *_bunch_* of front end flex at several points in this ride. I just finished watching your Trail 429 and Ibis Mojo4 reviews and it seemed you were flying on those compared to this Bronson ride, especially on the Mojo4. I'm not that tall, I'll probably go with the Mojo4, I mean any bike nowdays is gonna be awesome, but I really like the fact you were taking the Mojo all over and loving it. Plus I prefer 27.5" for the quicker, more snappy handling. I have more fun negotiating a new technical single-track than any downhill, unless it's really gradual, not too fast and has a lot of techie breaks, and I LOVE fields of babyheads, float & flow!~ Damn Spencer, your reviews are the most fun on the interwebismz - It's a good day when I find you've uploaded another joy-ride.

@trevorcarpenter4514 2 жыл бұрын

The trail network out that way looks amazing. Which tracks did you take this one down in the video? Im just up over the border and once things calm down again in the world, ive been wanting to get down to this area to ride

@claytonjessup6163 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice review !!!

@chrismccannIRL 2 жыл бұрын

Great review !

@totalglitch 17 күн бұрын

Compared to the high tower are they both almost equal? I'm coming from a V1 megatower but plow more than jump or do drops. I like to maintain my speed once going. Will the 145mm be enough for a heavy rider? I had the og high tower and it felt good. Thanks

@22rojsmith 2 жыл бұрын

I also watched you Evil Insurgent MX review. The Evil seemed faster, more capable, more ‘better’. Is that the case, or is the Bronson a better choice on less aggressive terrain. Bronson can take a coil so maybe there’s not much between them.

@bennyhop9162 2 жыл бұрын

I think the Bronson is better due to the small travel

@code_-kl5fu 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys!! How do you think this stacks up against the insurgent mx?

@dbar4067 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! do you prefer to ride in low mode...

@andrewdacre1238 2 жыл бұрын

How does it stack up against a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo 2022? Both 160/150 travel and both an option for me for my next bike in June. Any idea for comparison?

@user-xq5rp9fm1p 9 ай бұрын

Been trying to figure this out for the last couple months to no avail...on paper the SJE is about 0.5lbs lighter, can do 27.5 or 29 rear wheel, adjustable headset cups, swat box, and exact same geo. Only upside to the Bronson seems to be the VPP suspension is slightly more progressive/supportive than the 4-bar fsr? So maybe the Santa Cruz is a little more poppy? That's the best I can deduce?

@JLambinator 3 жыл бұрын

I may have missed it, but how tall are you? (Gives more context to statements like "this is my goldilocks range for reach measurement") How'd this compare to the spectral? Also hope you can get your hands on a 21 Nukeproof Mega. :) Love your reviews!

@freehubmag 3 жыл бұрын

Spencer is 5' 11" 210 lbs

@Liuc98 2 жыл бұрын

sick🤟🏽

@_boric 3 жыл бұрын

My go to review guy. Interested to know if you prefer the Bronson or the Pivot Switchblade?

@johnsospencer 3 жыл бұрын

Oh boy, I can’t even… I think the Bronson can handle the really steep trails a bit better. But that switch blade was an all time favorite for me.

@_boric 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnsospencer Do they pedal equally as well up hill or for big days? I assume the Switchblade is better?

@themeteorkid8708 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome review mate! Loved how the camera jib lost its cool on one jump. How would you compare this bike to the Spectral 29er, if such a comparison is possible at all?

@sja9836 2 жыл бұрын

Great Vid. Where's that location? Looks fantastic there. Super skilled riding too. Well done!

@freehubmag 2 жыл бұрын

Our reviews are shot in Bellingham, WA

@radidoc4832 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video and review. I am a little confused with high stack of Bronson 10 mm higher than a Megatower. Is that mean harder to climb than a Megatower?

@bennyhop9162 2 жыл бұрын

Great reviews thanks ! How are they compared to the Spectral Mullet? Which one will climb better?

@nathanfriesen3027 Жыл бұрын

You gotta try out a v6 nomad! Would love to here what you think.

@TheMTBRider96 2 жыл бұрын

I’m wondering how it compares against the Offering V2

@pumpingfe838 Жыл бұрын

this or the hightower v3? Only do a few park days (green/blue no gaps I have a family lol). Want it to climb well and have fun on the DH.

@TheTazman63 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! This is the one I was waiting for. Thanks for sharing. I ride up here in Galbi too. I'm an older rider, love the climbs as much as the gnarly downhill. If you had to choose one bike all a rounder between The Switchblade and the new Bronson, which one? So hard to get a test ride on these bikes. I'm on a 27.5 now, an older Stumpjumper. Thanks for your time. PS I know a lot of it comes down to personal preference too.

@UHFAJonathan 3 жыл бұрын

I currently own the new Bronson but also frequently ride the switchblade, and if I could get one I’d go for the switchblade. I personally think it climbs and descends a bit better. Might just be the personal fit for me though. I’m 5’7 Medium in both.

@TheTazman63 3 жыл бұрын

@@UHFAJonathan hey thanks for the input 👍

@guelahpapyrus8807 2 жыл бұрын

Curious what your personal bike is that you ride? Love your videos. Great content!

@freehubmag 2 жыл бұрын

Spencer is currently riding a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO as his personal bike. Thanks for watching!

@guelahpapyrus8807 2 жыл бұрын

@@freehubmag just put in an allocation for a Stumpy expert. Pick up in a week and 1/2. So stoked!!

@freehubmag 2 жыл бұрын

@@guelahpapyrus8807 Happy NBD! Enjoy the ride

@Cevirus93 2 жыл бұрын

Sick! But can you please tell me your camera setup? Chesty gopro + gimbal right? Which gimbal Do you use if I May ask😊

@freehubmag 2 жыл бұрын

Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

@tys2877 Жыл бұрын

hi thanks for the awesome review iam wondering this bike is as fun and poppy as evil offering iam after a new bike and need a bike that fits the bill for fun

@fit2live 2 жыл бұрын

First of all great video. I felt like I was going to tumble off the trail on a few of those high speed corners. Amazing riding! I'm looking for a beefed up trail bike that is still nimble enough for my Florida trails (Alafia, Santos, Carter if you are familiar), but that I can take to areas surrounding the Appalachians (GA, NC, TN). I want something confidence inspiring for jumps, drops, etc. But at the same time can handle punchy climbs, constant ups & downs, tight corners, to really flat sections on Florida trails. Our trails are feature rich with big drops and jumps, same as pretty much anywhere, outside of the Downhill parks (I know for some that may be hard to believe). Would the base model Bronson work or do I just need to stick with a 130/140 trail 29er? Thanks if you are able to share your insight. It's much appreciated!

@jonathanconway1439 Жыл бұрын

Hey man, not sure what you ended up going with. I ride a 5010 in trails similar to what you're describing. I used to live on Long Island, where there were some decent drops and jumps, but overall flat like Florida. I now live in South Carolina, and have ridden my 5010 over in Pisgah and Brevard without issue. Never felt under biked at all. Note, I am riding a 2021 5010 with the 27" front and rear. I'm sure the new mullet handles even better.

@fit2live Жыл бұрын

@@jonathanconway1439 I’m riding a Bronson. I find the 27.5 in the rear helps navigate tighter corners. Thing rides close to a trail bike. It’s a good climber and on tech. The main thing is it’s still very nimble and fun, despite it being an all mountain / enduro

@oskarkarlsson2245 3 жыл бұрын

What trails are you riding? They looked gorgeous👌🏼

@johnsospencer 3 жыл бұрын

This was all at Gralbraith Mountian in Bellingham WA.

@massa9790 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnsospencer thanks you very much bro

@donnybaca7405 2 жыл бұрын

what is the intro sound? goes perfect when showing all the angles of the bike

@rvisconti 2 жыл бұрын

wow! what an awesome review. Does anyone know the name of the trail and where is it?

@irenelim5134 3 жыл бұрын

This or the evil insurgent mx if one were to choose having only one bike to do it all?

@milktop1 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been hearing a lot of Evil bikes are cracking. But if you don’t break bikes get the cheaper

@Gavcabs 3 жыл бұрын

I'm on my third evil insurgent, had the v1, LB and now the new v2 mx. Never had a problem the v2 mx is by far the best bike I've ever riden.

@datalph4hoernchen867 3 жыл бұрын

Go and buy the Bronson - just in order to keep my Insurgent mX rare :D

@gustavsgidrevics682 2 жыл бұрын

Is this go pro footage color graded? And what are the setings. Good vid!

@freehubmag 2 жыл бұрын

Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods. Flat color profile, then just crush the blacks to your liking and add some saturation.

@bullseye0112 Жыл бұрын

Of all the bikes you've tested, which one did you land on in your garage?

@souljaboy3556 3 жыл бұрын

How does this compare to the Trek Fuel ex? Stuck between these two bikes and was wondering which one you would rather own yourself

@code_-kl5fu 2 жыл бұрын

Can you guys do the process x? I’m looking at buying one but there is no great reviews on one.

@mariopaniagua8692 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! I love the downhill trails and you have a lot a flow on them. May I know where is that bike park located? TY!

@freehubmag 3 жыл бұрын

Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham WA.

@raulm.1556 3 жыл бұрын

I'd be really interested what you have to say about the Propain Tyee or Spindrift.

@AppleJack76 3 жыл бұрын

This guy could sell sand to the Sahara desert.

@jakemetz1742 Жыл бұрын

Would love to see the trail name and/or area of these trails

@AddisonGallamore 16 күн бұрын

Where is this trail !!

@zacharyquinn2612 2 жыл бұрын

Can you please please please review the new 2023 Megatower?

@whitest_kyle 2 жыл бұрын

Galbraith? Looks very PNW... (edit: you said Galbraith 3/4 way through lol) trying to pick up a used Bronson this week for the summer, excited to take it up there.

@whitest_kyle 2 жыл бұрын

Just rode Evolution and Unemployment Line on my first trip to Galbraith with my 2019 Bronson that I picked up because of this video!

@lenitrash_kuh1114 3 жыл бұрын

What gloves you wearing on the ride? Top vid 🤘 Cheers

@johnsospencer 3 жыл бұрын

They’re the pearl Izumi divide gloves. I’d highly recommend them for airflow and after months they’ve held up without ripping.

@lenitrash_kuh1114 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot 👍 Cheers Flo

@nabooska 3 жыл бұрын

that color tho!

@nickwightman3735 3 жыл бұрын

Is it me or does that camera angle make it look like he is always riding uphill?

@HowTeq 2 жыл бұрын

Is that an o-ring on the fork slippin down? 0:15

@jingjing132 Жыл бұрын

Do the wheels have quick release?

@alexanderdlugaiczyk908 2 жыл бұрын

Testing the Yeti sb 130 lr, please 🙌

@MarkusFinholt 3 жыл бұрын

What gimbal do you use for these videos?

@freehubmag 3 жыл бұрын

Hero 7 4K 24fps with karma gimbal on chest mount. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.

@thenovicebiker6401 2 жыл бұрын

Considering this, or the new Hightower. Both are really described as great "all rounders" wondering what your impressions of the differences are? Great riding!

@bigwave7207 2 жыл бұрын

They are both well rounded. The Hightower is a bit better climber, the Bronson descends a bit stronger. You really couldn’t go wrong either way. I had the same dilemma; ended up going Bronson because I like how the 27.5 hooks into berms, rides the back wheel, and is easier to manage in the air. Both bikes are trail brawlers. Kind of the cutoff for me was the Bronson would have a slight edge in the lift served bike park. If I raced enduro I would go Hightower. You really can’t go wrong either way.

@likeris2 2 жыл бұрын

what your favorite three bikes for this trail?

@chipaway Жыл бұрын

do you think I could do a large at 5'9"?

@gen-X-trader 3 жыл бұрын

Personally I thought it was a complete disappointment. There is not room for an X2 from what I can tell. That shock really made previous Bronson's. The 2017-2018 frame is an absolute madman with an X2 grip 2 combo. Dhx2 also fits. Now you're stuck with the narrow shock cavity and on top of it you have weird wheels which you may or may not like. The 69er trend did not catch on years back and I really doubt MX is either. I know the marketing squad will be pushing these in full effect but it just feels like the bike industry coming up with something new to sell people rather than trying to make the fastest bike possible for the most situations

@praxisbeweggrund7778 2 жыл бұрын

on the v4 you can run every shock you want

@tr1ckster726 2 жыл бұрын

Add to cart

@catg9196 3 жыл бұрын

339 chain stay length? Super short

@t.j.bennett6454 8 күн бұрын

I really wish this review wasn’t about comparing to a 29er. I think it ruined the review. We know a 27.5 isn’t a 29er. We want more feed back as if it was any other 27.5

@hldedrick 3 жыл бұрын

How come my eyes watering like I'm on the bike on the decents?

@serojarlo2059 3 жыл бұрын

Yeti sb130 review please

@lukas-a9234 2 жыл бұрын

Which hub?

@TFritz82 2 жыл бұрын

99% sure it was the Industry Nine 1/1 hub(s).

@sudinghosh9355 Жыл бұрын

Great bike , rides smooth kzfaq.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing

@RU2AIM 2 жыл бұрын

Seems ridiculous to me, losing the snappy handling of the 27.5'' front wheel and losing the single advantage of 29"; better rollover needed for the rear wheel. Santa Cruz have it *_wackbirds_* IMO.